ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - After the 10 News Investigators exposed the misleading and illegal practices from the non-profit Veterans Support Organization (VSO), the group has agreed to pay a series of fines to the State of Florida. Additionally, the VSO has agreed to pay back taxes following an IRS audit of its financials.

Florida's agency in charge of supervising charities, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOACS), cited the VSO for five major violations, including hiring felons to solicit funds, claiming 86 percent of donations went to "programs," and taking advantage of solicitors by not providing benefits, workers comp coverage, or minimum wage.

The VSO has worked with DOACS to come into compliance, but still paid a $2,500 penalty, the maximum the state could fine a non-profit for five violations. It is unclear how much in back taxes the VSO paid, but it has been given the equivelant of an "all-clear" from the IRS following a year's worth of reorganizing.

Where's my donation going?

It can be tough to tell good charities from bad ones since the IRS only reviews 0.5 percent of all U.S. non-profits' tax returns each year. But 10 News has compiled some tips:

You can also call a non-profit to ask specific questions about how its funds are being spent. Most organizations that aren't religious groups are required to provide their last three 990s upon request.